Michigan State takes Wolverines in Ann Arbor
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN FEBRUARY 25, 2004 Coach Izzo’s Michigan State Spartans never lost their cool. Despite being on the road and facing a double digit deficit in the second half, MSU methodically worked their offense and put on a lock-down defense to defeat the Blue. They maintained their poise, which cannot be said for Coach Tommy Amaker’s squad. As their lead slipped away, Michigan’s offense could not seem to get off a good shot at the basket. Meanwhile the Spartans, with their sharp passing, seemed to get an open look each time down the floor, including several dunks and lay-ups.
From a seat in the Maize Rage, their was no question who was the better team and the better coached team. Amaker’s critics are growing but he still deserves some slack due to the youth of the team. But Michigan will never win a Big Ten championship by simply out finessing teams with individual effort (see Fab Five). It is hoped that Amaker was taking notes.
